Public art has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social change. Across the world, murals have turned ordinary cityscapes into vibrant cultural landmarks, sparking conversations and creating a deep sense of identity among communities. In Northeast India, a region rich in diverse traditions, murals are doing much more than adding color to walls—they are reviving folklore, celebrating indigenous art forms, and engaging local communities in artistic dialogue.
From the streets of Shillong and Kohima to the railway stations of Assam, murals are reimagining public spaces. With initiatives such as Donate A Wall by Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation and grassroots projects like Project 72 Hours in Nagaland, artists and communities are coming together to reclaim public spaces through art.
10 Transformative Murals in Northeast India
1. Roots and Rhythm – Shillong, Meghalaya
Created under the Donate A Wall initiative by artist Pascal Mario Kmenlang Pathaw, this mural embodies Meghalaya’s rich cultural traditions and deep connection with nature. It prominently features the living root bridges, a testament to the Khasi community’s ingenuity, alongside traditional Khasi dancers who symbolize the region’s vibrant musical and folk heritage. The mural’s fluid composition reflects the harmony between culture and nature, urging viewers to appreciate Meghalaya’s ecological wisdom.
2. Assam Rifles School Mural – Diphu, Assam
Located at the Assam Rifles School, this mural, painted by Sayan Mukherjee, redefines the perception of the paramilitary force. Instead of a purely security-focused image, it portrays their involvement in education, cultural preservation, and local development. The artwork incorporates Karbi motifs, Assam’s lush landscapes, and symbolic imagery that highlight the Assam Rifles’ deeper connection with the community.
3. The Naga Warrior Legacy – Kohima, Nagaland
As part of the Project 72 Hours initiative, this mural in Kohima pays homage to Nagaland’s warrior heritage. Depicting Naga warriors in traditional attire, adorned with feathers and spears, the mural serves as a powerful historical reminder of their valor and resilience. The intricate use of earthy tones and tribal motifs bridges the past and present, reinforcing a sense of pride in Naga identity.
4. Lachit Borphukan: Assam’s War Hero – New Tinsukia Railway Station
This striking mural at New Tinsukia Railway Station honors Lachit Borphukan, the legendary Ahom general who defended Assam from Mughal invasion. The grand-scale artwork captures Borphukan leading his troops into battle, with expressions of determination and strategy. Surrounding him are symbols of Assamese culture, including Bihu dancers and lush tea gardens, offering travelers a glimpse into the state’s rich heritage.
5. Arunachal’s Myths and Nature – Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
This mesmerizing mural in Itanagar blends Arunachal Pradesh’s mythical folklore with its lush natural beauty. The artwork showcases Apatani tribal women, known for their unique facial tattoos and nose plugs, alongside elements like the hornbill bird and sacred rivers that hold spiritual significance. Through vivid storytelling, the mural highlights the deep-rooted connection between indigenous beliefs and nature.
6. Women Empowerment and Community Strength – Aizawl, Mizoram
A mural in the heart of Aizawl celebrates women’s empowerment and community resilience. Painted by a collective of local artists, it depicts strong Mizo women in traditional attire, engaged in daily activities and leadership roles. The bold strokes and vibrant colors challenge gender stereotypes and recognize the vital contributions of women to society. This mural has become a symbol of progress and equality in Mizoram.
7. The Hornbill Festival Tribute – Kisama, Nagaland
Near the Hornbill Festival grounds in Kisama, this mural captures the grandeur of Nagaland’s largest cultural event. The artwork is a dynamic representation of tribal dances, intricate headgear, and traditional festivities, encapsulating the spirit of the festival. With tourists and visitors often stopping to admire it, the mural serves as a visual introduction to the cultural richness that the festival celebrates.
8. Majuli’s Disappearing Land – Jorhat, Assam
This thought-provoking mural in Jorhat addresses the alarming issue of Majuli’s erosion, a crisis that threatens the world’s largest river island. The artwork portrays a Sattriya monk standing on cracked, receding land, emphasizing the fragile state of this sacred island. The use of earthy tones and contrasting blues creates a haunting effect, pushing for awareness and conservation efforts.
9. Shillong’s Rock and Indie Music Scene – Police Bazar, Shillong
A tribute to Shillong’s title as **India’s Rock Capital**, this mural in **Police Bazar** encapsulates the city’s vibrant music scene. Featuring **silhouettes of iconic Khasi musicians**, guitars, and dynamic sound waves, the mural pays homage to the pioneers of rock and indie music in Shillong. It celebrates the region’s deep musical legacy while reinforcing its reputation as a hub for live music.
10. Bamboo Culture and Sustainable Living – Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro, known for its bamboo houses and sustainable practices, is home to a mural that highlights the significance of bamboo in Arunachal Pradesh’s way of life. The artwork illustrates Apatanis engaged in house-building, basket-weaving, and rice cultivational, reinforcing the importance of eco-friendly traditions. The earthy greens and browns create a visual connection to the region’s commitment to sustainability and self-sufficient living.
These 10 murals demonstrate how public art is reshaping the urban and cultural landscapes of Northeast India. Each artwork serves a distinct purpose—some preserve history, others address social issues, and many celebrate the region’s diverse traditions. Beyond aesthetics, these murals foster civic pride, attract tourism, and create platforms for dialogue on pressing concerns such as environmental conservation and women’s empowerment.
Murals as a Tool for Cultural Storytelling and Social Engagement
Murals are more than just artistic expressions; they are narratives etched onto public walls, serving as visual reminders of history, folklore, and social issues. Public art in Northeast India has flourished for several key reasons:
- Preserving Indigenous Heritage – Murals are reviving forgotten legends, showcasing traditional motifs, and ensuring the continuity of local storytelling traditions.
- Community Engagement – Public art fosters collaboration between artists, local authorities, and residents, strengthening civic pride.
- Urban Beautification – Murals transform neglected walls and urban spaces into visually stunning landmarks.
- Tourism and Economy – Art projects attract visitors, boosting local businesses and encouraging creative economies.
- Social Awareness – Murals often address pressing issues such as environmental conservation, gender equality, and tribal rights.
These murals have become more than artistic statements; they are cultural movements that blend tradition with modernity, turning public spaces into shared histories.
The “Donate A Wall” Initiative: Revitalizing Spaces with Stories
One of the most ambitious mural projects in Northeast India is Donate A Wall, an initiative by Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation that transforms blank walls into powerful visual narratives. This initiative is not just about adding color to urban landscapes but about creating a meaningful dialogue between art, culture, and the people of the region. By bringing murals to cities like Shillong and Diphu, this project has enabled local artists to use public spaces as canvases to reflect regional heritage, indigenous traditions, and evolving contemporary identities.
In a region where oral traditions and folklore have played a crucial role in preserving history, murals serve as an extension of this legacy. These large-scale public artworks breathe life into cityscapes, turning walls into visual storytellers that connect the past with the present. Through Donate A Wall, artists have the opportunity to reinterpret local histories, express cultural pride, and engage with pressing social and environmental issues.
Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East,” has been a key location for this initiative. The project here has featured works that capture Meghalaya’s rich cultural tapestry, from its vibrant textile traditions to the famed living root bridges that symbolize harmony between humans and nature. Pascal Mario Kmenlang Pathaw’s mural, Roots and Rhythm, beautifully embodies this connection, depicting living root bridges, cascading waterfalls, and traditional Khasi dancers. This artwork is not merely decorative but serves as an artistic reminder of Meghalaya’s ecological wisdom and cultural resilience.
Similarly, in Diphu, the initiative has helped redefine public perception of institutions like the Assam Rifles. Instead of focusing solely on their role as border protectors, the murals present them as an integral part of the local community—engaged in education, cultural preservation, and the collective well-being of the people. Artist Sayan Mukherjee’s mural at the Assam Rifles School encapsulates this message by blending Karbi cultural motifs with Assam’s natural beauty, portraying security as more than just physical protection but also as a commitment to knowledge and cultural continuity.
By engaging with local artists, communities, and historians, Donate A Wall has become a bridge between tradition and modernity. The initiative not only beautifies urban spaces but also fosters civic pride and awareness. Public art, when created with intent, becomes a mirror reflecting society’s values, struggles, and aspirations. In the case of Northeast India, these murals stand as symbols of identity, resilience, and the region’s deep connection with its heritage.
As the project continues to expand, it holds immense potential to transform more towns and cities across the Northeast. Each mural, carefully curated and deeply rooted in local narratives, adds to an evolving visual archive that celebrates the unique diversity of the region. Through the power of public art, Donate A Wall is not just changing the appearance of walls but also the way communities perceive their own stories and cultural landscapes.
Shillong’s “Roots and Rhythm”: A Tribute to Khasi Culture
In Shillong, artist Pascal Mario Kmenlang Pathaw created the mural “Roots and Rhythm”, a breathtaking composition that highlights Khasi traditions and their deep connection with nature.
Reflecting on the significance of the artwork, Pathaw shares,
“The Khasi people have always lived in harmony with nature. Our stories, songs, and dances are rooted in our environment. This mural is my way of ensuring that our heritage continues to be seen, remembered, and respected.”
The mural incorporates powerful elements such as:
- Living Root Bridges, crafted by Khasi tribes, symbolizing sustainability and indigenous innovation.
- Rainbow Falls, representing the fluidity of oral traditions passed through generations.
- Traditional Khasi Dancers, emphasizing the region’s vibrant rhythm and artistic identity.
Local resident Anisha Dkhar, who frequently passes by the mural, says,
“Seeing our traditions painted so beautifully on a public wall gives us a sense of pride. It feels like Shillong’s soul has been captured in art.”
Diphu, Assam: Capturing Collective Memory Through Murals
Diphu, a culturally rich town in Assam, has also embraced public art. Murals here depict indigenous folklore, tribal festivities, and traditional weaving techniques. Local artist Niran Dey, who contributed to the murals, emphasizes the emotional impact of public art,
“These murals aren’t just colors on walls; they are pieces of history that people can see every day. They help reconnect younger generations with their roots.”
The murals in Diphu serve as a powerful reminder of Assam’s cultural identity, showcasing how public art can influence collective memory.
Kohima’s Project 72 Hours: Community-Driven Art and Civic Pride
In Nagaland, Project 72 Hours has transformed the urban landscape of Kohima. Founded by Sievituo Solo (Chevy) in 2015, this initiative seeks to beautify public spaces while encouraging community participation in civic responsibility.
Murals That Celebrate Naga Culture and History
The murals created under Project 72 Hours pay homage to Nagaland’s rich cultural tapestry, featuring:
Naga warriors and folk heroes, depicted in striking detail.
Tribal masks, motifs, and textiles, reflecting indigenous craftsmanship.
Scenes from festivals like the Hornbill Festival, bringing cultural celebrations to the forefront.
Project founder Chevy Solo explains,
“We wanted to create something that would make people feel proud of their city and heritage. Art has the power to change how we see our surroundings. The murals are not just decoration; they are history lessons, reminders of who we are.”
The Power of Community Collaboration
Unlike projects led by corporate sponsors, Project 72 Hours thrives on community involvement. Local youth, students, and volunteers participate in mural painting, fostering a deep connection between people and public art.
One volunteer, Meyinuo Richa, shares her experience,
“I never imagined I would help paint a mural that represents my own heritage. Seeing people stop and admire our work makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.”
This participatory model ensures that the murals are not just artist-led creations but collective expressions of identity and belonging.
New Tinsukia Railway Station: A Cultural Gateway Through Art
Railway stations are often the first point of entry into a region, and at New Tinsukia Railway Station in Assam, murals now serve as a welcoming visual narrative of the state’s history and cultural richness.
Artist Rohit Sharma, who worked on the murals, describes the project,
“We wanted travelers to get a glimpse of Assam’s history as soon as they arrived. Art is a universal language, and murals have the power to tell stories that words sometimes cannot.”
The murals at New Tinsukia feature:
Lachit Borphukan, the legendary Ahom general.
Bhupen Hazarika, Assam’s beloved music icon.
Tea Pluckers and Weavers, highlighting Assam’s tea and textile industries.
Bihu and Jhumur Dancers, celebrating Assam’s folk traditions.
Passengers at the station have praised the murals for creating a sense of regional pride, with many stopping to take pictures and learn about Assam’s history through the artworks.
Challenges and Future Prospects of Murals in Northeast India
While public art is thriving, artists and muralists still face significant challenges:
- Sustainability and Maintenance – Weather conditions, especially monsoons, can cause murals to fade quickly.
- Funding and Sponsorships – Many artists struggle to secure financial backing for large-scale projects.
- Community Sensitivity – Murals must accurately represent indigenous cultures without misinterpretation.
- Lack of Awareness – Some people still see murals as mere decorations rather than cultural statements.
The Future of Murals in the Northeast
Despite these challenges, mural art in Northeast India continues to evolve. The future may see:
- Eco-friendly paints and materials to ensure longevity.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Murals, allowing viewers to interact with the artwork digitally.
- More grassroots initiatives, enabling deeper community involvement.
Conclusion: Art as a Living, Breathing Cultural Dialogue
The mural movement in Northeast India is more than just an aesthetic trend—it is a cultural awakening. By turning walls into canvases, artists and communities are preserving traditions, telling untold stories, and creating public spaces that resonate with history and identity.
Public art is proving that heritage is not confined to books and museums—it lives in the streets, on walls, and in the everyday lives of the people. As murals continue to flourish, they remind us that storytelling is not just about words; sometimes, the most powerful narratives are painted on walls for everyone to see.
